Echoes of Italy
A four-mansion development in Sydney’s east draws on the architect’s memories
Lisa Allen, Editor | The Australian
More than $180m is expected for a four-mansion Vaucluse residential estate presently under construction – with the secure 19-bedroom Torrens title property capable of sleeping up to 40.
Marketing agent Ray White Project’s managing partner, Eddie Mansour, says there have already been two firm offers to buy the entire estate on 2600sqm fronting 8-10 Hillside Ave.
All up, four ultra-luxe houses are being developed on the site and are 75 per cent completed, according to Mansour. “We are in negotiations at the moment for one of the semi-detached homes, with the price in the vicinity of $25m,” Mansour says.
Designed by high-profile Italian architect Luigi Rosselli, who has teamed up with interior designers Handelsmann + Khaw, the four mansions all have Sydney Harbour views and internal lifts to each floor.
There’s a starting price of $25m for the semi-detached four-bedroom house called Cielo at the rear of the estate, while the asking price for a freestanding six-bedroom house known as Terreno at the front rises to $70m, with the design prioritising indoor-outdoor layouts.
“They are quite grand homes with multiple living and dining areas on each level and internal lifts to each floor.” Mansour says the semi-detached houses are also aimed at right-sizers who are considering whole-floor apartments but they like the fact that the houses have lift access to each level.
Hillside’s two palatial six-bedroom houses, Terreno (Earth) and Mare (Sea), have unique floorplans prioritising indoor-outdoor layouts to welcome an expanse of natural light, and views stretching to the Harbour Bridge.
The two semi-attached residences, Cielo (Sky) and Luce (Light), each boast four spacious bedrooms overlooking landscaped gardens and a full-width terrace to celebrate the postcard harbour views.
Rosselli says in designing the mansions he was inspired by his childhood memories of holidays in Italy. His signature architectural features, craftsmanship and quality are imbued throughout, using rammed earth columns, handmade terracotta brise soleil, forged steel spiral staircases and a copper-clad roof, which is expected to age with grace.
Handelsmann + Khaw’s longstanding partnership with Luigi Rosselli Architects ensures a sublime blend of curved walls and French doors, coupled with a light and airy openness.